Weakness and Strength

Alienation, the ritual of god bestowing the soul to the living for forming their Will. Left quite the shock on Kaye. Until in his previous world, he believed, there was nothing like a god, or if it existed, it must have been an evil one. Who forced all the living beings to a definite fate without leaving them any choice.

The reason for his belief was the thing called laws of Nature, which couldn't be changed, or if ever altered in some way, then there had to be an establishment for a new set of rules such that those alterations could be justified. All the living beings were made up of the same matter as their surrounding nature (Atoms). 

If the laws of Nature couldn't be changed, it meant living beings must follow them as Nature does, without any exemption. And if they thought they were doing something of their own accord, but it was actually the whole Nature forcing them to do so, as if it was their own Will.

Their minds were made up of atoms, energy flows through them as per the laws of Nature. Speaking more abstractly, one thought leading to another, so no one even has control over their own thoughts. That's why one couldn't change his/her fate. The only possible thing which can contradict his theory was the existence of the soul in living beings, which could act as a catalyst to make the decision at a particular instant in time over some given situation, giving them control over their actions. But there was no proof for the existence of a soul, hence his belief that everything was destined to some fate, with one having no control over oneself.

But after watching Alienation, he came to enlightenment, the inhabitants of this world have their free Will to do whatever they want to. Which made every single thing possible if they were determined enough at that thing, and even can surpass the limit of their physical bodies. Now Kaye understood why Theo acted the way he did.

The event left quite a conundrum in front of Kaye. Whether I can bring back dead alive or not, if absolutely anything is possible, then this must also be possible, isn't it? Can I bring back people from another world who were dead? Ahh... His chain of thoughts ultimately led to one particular one and only goal and leaving him restless. 

Unfortunately, he forgot the stepping stone just to wander in an unknown path. When they were both heading back to the Armory, he saw some children using magic. His train of thoughts rolled back. Wait a second! First of all, can I even change the laws of nature like inhabitants of this world can do? That is to say, am I capable of using magic.

Next day Kaye decided to go to the guild to check his magical aptness. He wore a fully metal plated armor with a long sword, having natural color of the steel. It was very uncommon for a commoner to have a full plate metal armor.

Even the army soldiers don't wear them, usually Adventurer or Knights are more suited. But since Kaye forged it there was no problem, and it is not like he was having any enchantment on that armor. To other people he looked like a muscle head. He was dressing so not magician like.

The Guild was located at north-east side of the city almost fifteen minute distance away from the City Center. The reason guild was build there because it was more up close to the forest from where adventurer and hunter can dispatch easily.

His build was improved since he practiced the few sword technique every day, and the sword on his waist not hanging there for show only. The Obvious reason it was not the katana, but a simple sword forged with high carbon steel, because Katana was too good for his level of skill.

He reached the guild. Although he had been here many time before, but he felt something different within him.

I will again be part of an organization. Recognized by its members, like a social people as you wanted me to be. he thought.

The guild was like a manor, or perhaps it used be one, because it was surrounded by huge yard. In the left side of the yard trees stood in line, they were turned into archery range because the targets decorated them. He entered the guild but a thought flashed in his mind.

I don't have any status like these people, if I try to register as an adventurer whatever their status checking method is, it would definitely fail on me.

He approached the reception there, people were in line, and the receptionist was a girl wearing formal dress attending people there. Soon it was his turn.

"How may I help you sir?" she asked.

"I am here to check my magical aptitude." he replied.

"Ok sir! You need to go to first floor, first room on the left there." She smiled and replied.

"He must have practicing meditation, if he is asking for a magical aptitude test." said the boy who was sitting on the waiting chair in the reception hall with his party, he was 25 year old. He was also wearing a fully steel plated armor. Blue tainted look of armor showed its high quality. His name was Vinyul.

"Nah! I just think, he is here to find whether he has enough mana capacity in him to use any sword spells with his sword skill. He looks like a swordsman to me not a mage." A man said from another side of the hall, he was sturdy, 6.5 feet tall, age almost 38 years old. It really is a pain that one can't see anything about his own magic abilities like other skills and title appears in the status. The man wondered.

Kaye ignored all of them sitting there and headed towards first floor.

Everything within his expectations, the stairs didn't make any creaking sound this time like it happens in the forgery. He knew even he is in iron-age with magic and swords, but these big enough cooperative offices and associations must be maintaining their buildings.

In the room there was a boy for reception. There was no crowd at all; it showed people didn't usually come for magical aptitude test.

"I presume you are here to take the magical aptitude test." the receptionist asked.

"Yes, what am I supposed to do?" he asked glaring at the balls and all the glass wear. It was his first time seeing a magical instrument this big. 

In that room five glass balls were laid down on the table, and in front of the table a podium with two palms imprints on it.

Those balls must represents the element a mage can control he thought  black for space, white for light, blue for wind, yellow for fire and lightning, brown for earth as it is written here.

"Ok sir! You must put your palm on those imprints at that podium, to check which element you are most adept with. The balls will glow and show a number, the numbers on the balls will represent your magical prowess for that respective element as written below the ball." the receptionist said.

As expected.

Kaye did as he was instructed, as soon as he put his hand on the imprint. Kaye's expression became speechless, his heart began racing fast. Even the receptionist was surprised. Because nothing had happened, the balls without glowing showed zero on the face.

"Sir let me check if the appraiser is working or not." receptionist put his hand on the imprint.

As he did the yellow ball started to glow and showed 45 on the ball. Kaye's heart sank down.

How can this be possible, he doesn't have a single bit aptness for any element? I haven't ever seen anyone like this. receptionist wondered.

"Sir Can you put your hands one more time on the place." he asked.

"No, I believe I am done here." he said in low voice.

He returned to the ground floor, after finding out that he is inept in magic, he was sad and frustrated. His emotions were apparent on his face.  

The man with sturdy build watched Kaye's face and a grin appeared on his face.

"Hey you, what happened to your magical aptitude test?" He reached Kaye and asked? His name was Ohmrul.

"Leave me Alone." Kaye replied in low voice.

The girl who was in the Vinyul's party spoke "Oh here we go again; he just loves teasing isn't he."

The other boy in Vinyul party nodded his head. His expression was gloomy he understood what about to happen. Ohmrul's was a class B adventurer, his type sword warrior. He really wasn't the type of person who bullies other people, but he just loves to tease them.

"Ohmrul don't you have anything better to do?" Vinyul said.

"Common Vinyul, I was just trying to console him." he puts his hand around Kaye's shoulder.

"Are you looking for a fight?" Kaye said while watching Ohmrul's hand on his shoulder.

"Aren't you overreacting boy." Ohmrul didn't remove his hand and whispered in his ear, trying to scare him. But he affected Kaye in a different manner, his frustration turned to anger. 

"Yes I am! Let's go out and see what your thoughts about it are." Kaye shrugged Ohmrul's hand and said in a chilling voice looking directly in his eyes. Kaye's height was short; he really had to look up for performing that act. 

Even if Ohmrul loves teasing and not bulling people, but Kaye also stirred him up. It is far above what he can tolerate. It was just like challenging him to fight, and obvious enough he had no reason to refuse. 

"Then how about the Arena behind the guild, is it Ok for you?" Ohmrul pointed his thumb backwards.

Kaye didn't reply anything, just started walking towards the exit which led to Arena. To his action Vinyul and his party members were surprised, and Ohmrul stood still watching him. Because the group had the exact knowledge of Ohmrul's capabilities, he was rank 26 of the entire 156 class B adventurer registered in the city guild.

On the other hand Kaye didn't look that strong. The matter of fact they were seeing him for the first time, although they visited guild very frequently.

Let see what he is capable of Vinyul thought and tried to appraise him.

Magical skill: appraisal, cannot be applied.

As a result a virtual scroll appeared in his mind showing the message.

As expected, so he is at least powerful enough to hide his status, then again Appraisal doesn't work well on living thing most of the time.  Vinyul put his hand on his chin and thought. what about his weapons.  

Entity: armor

          Basic details: 

                Name: none

                Type: Weapon

               Title: none

               Attack: 0 Niyak

               Defense: 300 Baar'

                 Durability: 200 Galza

               Rarity: high

          Advanced details: 

                 Attack spells: none

                 Defense spells: none

                 Creator: unspecified

                  Enchantment: none

Entity: Long Sword

          Basic details: 

               Name: none

               Type: Weapon

               Title: none

               Attack: 250 Niyak

               Defense 40 Baar

               Durability: 200 Galza

               Rarity: high

          Advanced details: 

               Attack spells: none

               Defense spells: none

               Creator: unspecified

               Enchantment: none

Oh that is much higher stats you got on those items. It is almost half of my weapons, and those items are also quite rare. I really want to see now what can he do? I won't be interfering until things go crazy after at least he got some advantage at weapons.  Vinyul's eyes started gleaming as he pondered.

"Are you coming or not." Kaye said without watching backward.

"Grrhhh.." Ohmrul gritted his teeth in anger and followed him.

Why he is so dead set on fighting Ohmrul? I can see he is sad, but i am feeling bad about him now. This boy is really going to get himself hurt. Vinyul couldn't help but wonder. He picked up his two long swords, equipped them on his back and followed them to the Arena. 

The arena was 30 meter wide in diameter, Vinyul and his party members set on the onlooker's seats. Both Kaye and Ohmrul stood two meter apart from each other between the arena.

"Are you ready boy!!" Ohmrul asked clenching his broad sword; it was 6 inches broad and 4 cm thick in the middle, but it was a simple sword.

Kaye nodded griping his sword in front of his eyes, posing like a Knight. In response Ohmrul raised his sword straight up; it took him no time to do that and slashed vertically.

When Kaye saw Ohmrul raising his sword straight up, he raised his sword to right. And when Ohmrul slashed it, instead of slashing his own sword against the Ohmrul's, Kaye took one step to his left, lowered his sword and supported it with his shoulder. He looked as if he is casually leaving from there, putting his sword on shoulder. Sparks appeared with screeching sound. Kaye's action led the Broad sword slide on his own sword.

Both the swords were tipping on the ground on single point then.

He is good! He deflected that strike or rather dispersed its force to the ground. He got some skill. Vinyul was thrilled.

As I thought he is weak, he deflected instead of taking it on, i will hit once again. Ohmrul thought.

Ohmrul quickly raised his sword again, but Kaye didn't even lift his sword. When Ohmrul sliced down, Kaye sliced from downward to upward from where it was laying forming a complete 180 degrees curve, which removed Ohmrul's sword from his hand.

He let go of his sword and punched Ohmrul in shoulder, but his hand hit two swords forming a cross in mid-air in front of Ohmrul for saving him.

"That's enough!" Vinyul said his face full of astonishment and fear in anticipation of what would've happened, if he hadn't interfered with his own swords. Every other member was shocked about what just happened.

The reason for Vinyul interrupting was the swords. Both Kaye's and Ohmrul's swords were lying on the ground attached with each other. When Kaye sliced up the sword, its force plunged his sword into Ohmrul's sword half way through in its width, until its width became too thick to go any deeper. It would have been a lethal blow if he hadn't stopped Kaye from punching Ohmrul, and Vinyul as one of the guild staff member couldn't allow murder in premise, specially a civilian. Ohmrul absolutely knew his limits where to stop, but that punch might have initiated the basic instinct of Ohmrul to use his sword spells and Kaye would be dead.

"I can understand you are sad for some reason, but venting your anger on others isn't the way to face the problem. You could have died if Mr. Ohmrul used his sword spells." Vinyul said.

He through his wits and maturity made it in the guild staff in such a young age. The reason he was able to see through Kaye.

Kaye's eyes became widened, realizing what he has done. Vinyul's words reminded him of Ava. The anger he harbored instantly became guilt.

Is sword spells are that powerful? Then I need to practice more. he thougt.

"I am Sorry." he detached his sword from Ohmrul's and started walking from there. Both Vinyul and Ohmrul amazed from sudden change in his behavior.

"Wait a minute! As I see you have calmed down, may I know the reason? Why you are so sad?" Vinyul asked.

"It's just that... recently I came to know there are things which i could do with the help of magic, which I never thought of before was possible. So I took the magical aptitude test and found that I don't have even a bit affinity for using It." he said in his melancholic voice.   

"Hey now, don't lose your will to fight. So what if you don't have affinity for magic, I had the same problem. Once it was the time i too had zero affinity for wind magic and 1 in every other, now it's over ahh.. Well I didn't bother checking it again; i just practiced it more and more once I got it. Now you can see those swords floating aren't you?" he said. "Just concentrate on visualizing it through meditation."

Vinyul's words rang like a big bell in his mind and I was so focused on controlling the nature using magic that I forgot, I already am a being which existed out of this world. Ever since I have arrived to this world, from my very first breath to current deeds are all not natural for this world. I too have my free will don't I. And my strength is unreal too isn't it. He thought to himself and his face became brighten.

"Yes you are right; I lost my calm for nothing. Sorry once again Mr. Ohmrul" he said putting his hand on his head in embarrassment.

Watching the changed behavior Ohmrul couldn't complain about it and left the scene as well as the other party members of Vinyul.

"So now, it is my first time seeing you here. Are you not an adventurer?" Vinyul asked cheerfully.

"No I am not." he replied and sheathed his sword.

"My name is Vinyul, I am an adventurer as well as one of Recruiters here. Tell me your name, let me help register you. How about starting from Class B last rank?" Vinyul was happy that he found someone so talented with sword skills.

"My name is Kaye, and I have a question for you. What about my status? You haven't checked it yet." Kaye queried.

"What are you talking about? No guild comply you to show your Skills or Titles. You see it is very unreliable to judge a person's strength just on the basis of his skill. Status exists to assisting our own growth. Besides who would want to show their hands to the enemy before even fighting? You are so low on basic, must have living in boonies till now." Vinyul filled in lots of information for Kaye. Although I did try check yours. He thought.

I thought it would be super-suspicious to not have status. I haven't even thought of this possibility at all. I caved myself for three months, making minimum contact with other people. The reason I wasn't able to build common sense. This is the chance for me to explore the world and find another possible way to achieve my goal. All and all he seems like a good guy. Kaye thought.

"I guess I don't have any problem registering as an adventurer then." Kaye replied.

 They both came out of the guild's main office after Vinyul registered him as an adventurer.

"So how about you join my party, now that you are an adventurer."  Vinyul formed a smile.

"The only issue would be I work as an assistant in a forgery." Kaye said regretfully.

"No need to worry about that. I don't do adventuring all the time. Whenever your schedule is free, just come here searching for me, how this Idea sounds to you." Vinyul was hell-bound on adding Kaye to his party. 

"Everything will be fine then. I am looking forward to work with you." Kaye replied.

And just like that Kaye made his first friend in this new world, and set himself a goal which was absolute impossible in his previous world, to revive Ava.